Dr. Jeff Gardere, assistant professor of behavioral medicine (Ph.D.) and clinical psychologist at Touro College in New York City, explains in a paper on emotional health that taking care of emotional health is just as important as that of your physical health. If your emotional health is disturbed, you may face high blood pressure, ulcers, chest pain or any other physical problems. On the other hand, when you feel good about yourself, i.e. when you are emotionally healthy, you are able to face the ups and downs of life in a better way.
In conversation with Dr. Rachna Sethi, Relationship Counsellor and Psychologist, regarding the need for better emotional health, she informs that emotional health is related to a person's mental state, his/her thoughts, feelings and behavior. Just like a disturbing physical and mental state causes problems for a person in leading a normal life. Similarly, a person's emotional health affects not only their thinking and mood but also their quality of life. That is why it is very important that efforts should be made to maintain emotional health. Therefore, here are some tips, which if adopted, can make you emotionally healthy as well as your life enjoyable.
Make Friends And Spend Some Time With Them
Our friends are like pillars for us who give us love, strength and support in every situation. That is why, it is very important that we have a support group of friends and family with whom we can share our problems, heartaches, joys and sorrows whenever we need and know that we are not alone.
Get Rid Of Unintentional Fear
Uncertainty, worrying about the future and fear of something going wrong greatly affects our emotional health. Therefore, it is very important to recognize your fear, acknowledge it and do everything possible to overcome it.
Regular Exercise Will Keep Body, Mind And Emotions Fit
Our emotional health most affects our mood. A person may seem irritable, lack control over anger and will not wish to do anything at all. Such a behavior can be a result of physical, mental and emotional ill-health. In such a situation, regular exercise can be very beneficial. The effect of regular exercise on the body and mind not only improves health, but also brings discipline in life, increases the ability to control impulses and emotions, and helps in stress management.
Sex Can Enhance The Mood
Emotional turmoil is more commonly seen in adults for various reasons. In this case, intimacy or a sexual relationship with a partner can improve one’s emotional health. It not only helps in relieving stress but also makes one happy and also increases self-confidence.
Take Out Time For Your Hobbies
Apart from the cognitive benefits of having a hobby, there are its health benefits as well. If we spend some time in our daily routine for our hobby/hobbies, it helps a lot in increasing positivity, happiness, satisfaction and confidence in life. Taking time out, especially for creative hobbies, improves mood and reduces anxiety, as well as increases cognitive functioning and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Have A Moderate And Healthy Diet
Be it food or any other thing, excess of anything is harmful. But if the same thing is done in moderation and a disciplined way, it can be healthy and keep your mood pleasant. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can be helpful in reducing stress. Therefore, eat healthy food as much as possible and once in a blue moon, a little food from outside can please your mind.
Meditation And yoga To Relieve Stress
Activities like meditation and yoga are effective for stress management. It regulates blood pressure, reduces agitation or anxiety, and relieves tension headaches, sores, insomnia, muscle and joint pain. During meditation and yoga, there is more production of serotonin, or the happy hormone in the body, which also improves the immune system. Meditation calms you down whenever you are anxious, unstable and emotionally upset.
Get Enough Sleep
People who get a good night's sleep wake up with more energy and are able to function well. If you are overly tired, every task and responsibility can seem exaggerated and even small problems may seem big.
Learn To Say No
If you try to do anything beyond your capacity, you will only get frustrated and stressed. If someone asks you to do something you absolutely can't do, say no clearly and firmly.
Also read: Create A Mindful Space and Boost Your Mental Wellbeing